Pretoria - While Robert Kieser, 18, was aiming for a position in the top five of Gauteng's 2010 matric top achievers - being among the top three came as a big surprise.
"I told myself from the beginning of the year that I will be in the top five in the province, but I was nervous before the release of the results because you never know whether you'll make it. But in the end, my hard work paid off," he told BuaNews.
Robert, who is a matriculant from Sutherland High School, will pursue his career in Medicine at the University of Pretoria after getting eight distinctions in last year's matric exams.
He was among 31 top learners who joined Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa at an awards ceremony on Tuesday to congratulate them on their achievements.
Among the top achievers was Funanani Munzhelele, who despite his challenges, refused to allow his albinism to bring him down. Instead, he used it to achieve his goal.
Funanani, aged 17, will be pursuing his studies in Mechanical Engineering at Wits University, after obtaining five distinctions in last year's matric exams, making him the top learner in the Tshwane West district.
Funanani, who is a matriculant from Filadelfia Secondary School in Soshanguve, obtained distinctions in Maths, Physical Science, Mechanical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Designs as well as Life Orientation, which he described as the most easiest subject.
"Albinism didn't bring me down, instead it motivated me to achieve my goal. I started Grade 1 at the age of five and have never repeated any class. I'd like to encourage other people who are different to also aim high and let their dreams come true," Munzhelele said.
He added that the results did not come as a surprise, thanks to the school teachers who started preparing them for Grade 12 well in advance.
Rebone Shaku, 18, who obtained six distinctions, advised this year's matriculants to start their studies early instead of waiting until June.
"Be determined and start preparing now. A matric certificate shapes out your future and in order to make it in life, be prepared to work hard," said Rebone, who will be studying Civil Engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Honouring learners' achievements, Mayor Ramokgopa awarded the learners with certificates and laptops to help them advance in their studies.
He warned learners not to let their achievements get to their heads.
"When you go to university, it doesn't matter that you've got nine or six distinctions. You must work hard, be disciplined and consistent to the teachings of your parents and teachers.
"Pursue your studies beyond so that you are able to contribute towards the country's economic growth by coming up with new ideas. You have a role to play in ensuring that the country ... brings down the unemployment rate," Ramokgopa told learners.
He also acknowledged learners from poor homes, who rose above all difficulties. "It's this generation who will break the cycle of poverty in those households," he said.
